Energizing New Mexico
Mark Green
Posted September 9, 2016
The quote below from New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez, made as she introduced a new energy plan for her state last year, does a good job capturing the opportunity at hand there and across the United States because of the ongoing American energy renaissance:
“New Mexico is one of the most energy-rich and energy-diverse states in the nation, and we have an excellent opportunity to utilize this position to grow our economy and create more jobs. Improving our energy infrastructure, responsibly developing and producing energy of all types, and better preparing our workforce for the needs of our energy sector are all critical components not only of a strong economic future, but of helping lead America to energy independence.”
Energy = opportunity – in New Mexico and across the U.S. Indeed, New Mexico is energy-rich, ranking sixth nationally in oil production and eighth in marketed natural gas output in 2015. Oil production has more than doubled since 2009, helped by development of the Permian Basin shale in southeastern New Mexico with hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling.
Click on the thumbnail to open a two-page energy infographic for the Land of Enchantment.
As in other states, natural gas plays a key role in New Mexico, supplying 34 percent of the energy the state used in 2014, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The electric power sector is the largest consumer of natural gas in the state.
Yet, as Gov. Martinez said, New Mexico is energy diverse, with renewables accounting for 9.3 percent of the state’s generated electricity.
Thanks to New Mexico and other states, the United States leads the world in oil and gas production, which is strengthening our economy, providing benefits to American households and making the U.S. more secure.
We can sustain and grow domestic energy’s benefits with policies that support safe development. On Page 2 of the infographic is a chart detailing the benefits of a pro-development path, contrasted with the negative impacts of policies characterized by regulatory constraints.
Energy is essential for virtually every aspect of our daily lives. It powers national, state and local economies, gets us to work and goes into products we rely on for health and comfort. Safe, responsible energy development here at home is linked to national security as well as Americans’ individual prosperity and liberty – in New Mexico and all the 50 states of energy.
About The Author
Mark Green joined API after a career in newspaper journalism, including 16 years as national editorial writer for The Oklahoman in the paper’s Washington bureau. Previously, Mark was a reporter, copy editor and sports editor at an assortment of newspapers. He earned his journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma and master’s in journalism and public affairs from American University. He and his wife Pamela have two grown children and six grandchildren.